🍽️ Learn how to make the ultimate comfort food – Greek Pastitsio. This creamy and delicious pasta dish combines layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and a velvety béchamel topping. In this step-by-step tutorial, I'll show you how to create a Pastitsio that will transport your taste buds straight to Greece.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips!

📋 Ingredients:

1 pound Greek pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground lamb
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Thyme
Rosemary
2 cinnamon sticks
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated gruyere

For the Béchamel Sauce:

1 cupe whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
3 egg yolks large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup gruyere cheese
📝 Instructions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until near al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large Dutch oven , heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add meat in batches breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned. Add the butter and then the veggies except the garlic. Once they have softened up we will add in our garlic. Once the garlic is fragrant we will add the meat back into the pot.

Stir in the tomato paste, red wine (if using), herbs, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer the meat sauce for about 15-30 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat for the béchamel sauce. Add flour and whisk constantly until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook and whisk until the sauce thickens.

Beat the eggs in a bowl, and then slowly whisk in a cup of the hot béchamel sauce to temper the eggs. Gradually add this mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook for a few more minutes until the béchamel becomes creamy and thick. Stir in the grated cheese.

In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta on top of the meat layer.

Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta and spread it out evenly.

Sprinkle a final layer of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Allow the Pastitsio to cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares or slices and enjoy!

This Greek Pastitsio recipe is a labor of love, but the creamy, savory, and comforting result is absolutely worth it. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with a taste of Greece right in your own kitchen!

#PastitsioRecipe #GreekCuisine #ComfortFood #CookingTutorial #GreekFood #HomemadePastitsio #MediterraneanCooking